Effect of Serine Hydroxamate on the Growth of Escherichia coli

Abstract

The structural analogue of l -serine, l -serine hydroxamate, inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli K-12. Of the other amino acid hydroxamates tested, only l -lysine hydroxamate reduced the rate of growth. Inhibition of growth by l -serine hydroxamate was rapidly reversed by the addition of l -serine to the bacterial culture or by removal of the analogue by filtration. The reversal of inhibition was specific for l -serine. l -Alanine, glycine, or adenine had no effect on an inhibited culture. No evidence for active transport of the analogue was obtained.